CORBETT STICKING WITH NO TAX PLEDGE

According to an WITF article, republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett is trumpeting his “no tax” pledge on the campaign trail. Against a backdrop of waterfalls, palm trees and lush vegetation, Corbett told a group of supporters at Longwood Gardens he’s the only candidate who will lower state spending next year. Corbett says Pennsylvania’s taxes are too high, and the levies are dragging down the state’s economy. “That’s why I’ve signed a no new tax pledge. I would note, though, that my opponent has not signed that pledge, nor do I think he’s going to sign a tax pledge like that. In fact he has developed, he has implemented the largest single tax increase in the history of Allegheny County.” Click here to read the WITF article.

ACQUITTED BONUSGATE STAFFER FILES LAWSUIT

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, a legislative corruption investigation that began with a scandal over state bonuses given for campaign work was a politically motivated conspiracy involving Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, ex-House Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese and his former Washington lawyer, a fired Democratic staffer alleged in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Stephen

Continue reading Eye Opener – July 29, 2010

PA AMONG FINALISTS IN SECOND ROUND OF RACE TO THE TOP

Governor Rendell announced yesterday that Pennsylvania is one of 19 finalists in the second round of the federal Race to the Top grant competition. If selected, the state could receive up to $400 million in federal funding to help build on and accelerate its strong progress in education reform and student achievement over the past seven years. “Pennsylvania’s finalist status in round two of Race to the Top is a real testament to the hard work we’ve already done in implementing targeted reforms that help our students to achieve and succeed,” Governor Rendell said. “Pennsylvania’s education community should be enormously proud that these efforts have been recognized in advancing our Race to the Top application.” Check the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the governor’s full statement.

DEWEESE ASKS FOR TRIAL IN OCTOBER

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Rep. Bill DeWeese (D-Greene) said he wants to stand trial on corruption charges in October — a month before he faces re-election. A judge Monday ordered DeWeese to stand trial after prosecutors used his grand-jury testimony as

Continue reading Eye Opener – July 28, 2010

RENDELL DOUBTS PA WILL RECEIVE FMAP MONEY

According to an WITF article, Governor Rendell is planning to try to resurrect some of his policy proposals that weren’t adopted by the General Assembly, if Congress doesn’t pass a federal medical funding bill. Rendell admits prospects for receiving the $850 million that the commonwealth’s budget banks on are growing bleak. He says if he’s forced to cut the money out of the spending plan he signed into law this month, he’ll ask lawmakers to reconsider setting caps on the vendor sales discount the state gives to companies who file taxes on time. Click here to read the WITF article.

DEWEESE TO STAND TRIAL

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Rep. Bill DeWeese (D-Greene) told a grand jury in December that his state-paid aides regularly campaigned during business hours from their desks in state offices. A transcript of that testimony was read Monday during a preliminary hearing on charges that Mr. DeWeese illegally used state resources for political gain. Asked whether he was concerned that political work was being done on state time, Mr. DeWeese told grand jurors that it wasn’t unusual. “That was

Continue reading Eye Opener – July 27, 2010